Effects of different turn intervals on skin of healthy older adults

A comparison of the effects of one-, one and a half-, and two-hour turning intervals on changes in the skin surface temperature, interface pressure, and color was conducted on 16 older, healthy adults. Both trochanters and the sacrum were the sites used for measurement. Findings indicated that the greatest increase in skin surface temperature occurred at the end of the two-hour turning interval and in the trochanteric positions. No significant differences in interface pressure were found with respect to the length of the turning interval or body position. A descriptive summary of changes in skin color is also presented.